Wednesday, 18 January 2017

May I count on your support...?

On postal surveys and where our local activists have the skills and time, we always use the 0-10 scale canvassing script. Propensity to Vote (PTV) is clearly the way forward, allowing us to not only identify firm pledges, but also those who are likely to swing to other parties, and most importantly those who might come to us if properly targeted.

Unfortunately, many of our more traditional volunteers struggle with the new script, and in some circumstances an old fashioned "which party are you most likely to support...?" is the best way to go, it is certainly better than no data at all.

To try and ensure consistency I have produced this canvassing guide for all our candidates, organisers and volunteers. This not only explains the real purpose of Doorstep VI, but also gives real examples of why it is necessary and the difference it can make.

We have also abolished the P code (one man's probable is another man's possible) which has always been the bane of my life. Everyone has a different definition of "probable / possible" and unless we understand the psychology of every canvasser, "Ps" are useless.For example, in our December by-election I noticed one hard working canvasser marked down approximately 30% of his houses as P. Should we target these people for GOTV or not? I revisited them personally and spoke to about 20, of which only one or two were ever going to vote Conservative. We now tell canvassers that P must not be used, unless you can secure a solid VI, leave it blank and we can visit again.

We are also very keen to push the Q code (UKIP voters who would support Conservatives as a second choice). With UKIP now in decline and with a new leader focusing on northern Labour voters, there is now no reason why those former Conservatives should not come back home.